Some teachers such as Tahoma physical educator instructors Jeana Haag and Tracy Krause are helping to define how new technology can affect classrooms.
Jeana Haag and Krause, who use an iPad 2 for their P.E. classes, recently gave presentations at the Seattle's Best West Conference on the use of iPads in physical education.
"Really, because of the mobile situation, it's perfect for us," Jeana Haag said. "Aside from the daily stuff, it's right there in our hands. We can have student scores at any time."
At Glacier Park Elementary fifth grade science and social studies teacher Brandon Betlach was able to obtain iPads for the students in his classroom due to a grant proposal he promoted. He began teaching the students how to use them in late September and now uses them as a part of science experiments.
Among the most noticeable changes technology has brought to the classroom has been in communication and organization. Rather than have to spend hours transcribing the grades of pencil-written homework assignments or test results onto a computer, netbooks and laptops, in addition to online assignments, enable teachers to spend more time teaching.
Mercer said that it also allows teachers to direct their students from home if needed due to an emergency or illness as long as they have Internet access.
In Jeana Haag's P.E. classes, the iPad, with its Internet access, can provide video instructions for various activities out on the track, or record a student's test to show their form or posture. The teacher can also immediately record their times and statistics on the spot, which aids in accuracy.
"From the teacher's side, management and presentation are easier," Jeana Haag said. "We don't have to worry about getting grades in, getting things down from our clipboards. It's a big time saver for us."
I do actually think this is important; there's something about reading a book and I like that Kindle has some "bookishness" to it.
I agree, there is nothing like sitting down in a big comfy chair and reading. I'm not sure I would like using a hand held device instead of the actual book.
I don't think it's important for the Kindle to look like a book. I'm pretty ok with reading something non-bookish.
this is one feature that I really do like, the changing of the font size!
These are important features for making things more available in alternative formats. Electronic versions offer instant large print and ways to have it read aloud. These features can be helpful for many people with disabilities.
A kindle will be a great gift for my dad. Larger font and less clutter of book will be great for him!
I have heard about ebook devices that allow the reader to adjust the font size. I have gotten to the age where that is a great selling feature for me.
I tried to get one of these for my visually impaired student last year but was unsuccessful. I think it would be a great tool for her to use in and out of school.
I love the search option! I am always paging back to remind myself how characters are related or other facts I've forgotten. This would make it so much faster.
What we love is the words and ideas."
"Technology," computer pioneer Alan Kay once said, "is anything that was invented after you were born
But if all goes well for Amazon, several years from now we'll see revamped Kindles, equipped with color screens and other features, selling for much less. I'll wait for the bigger and better Kindle. :)
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